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Melatonin supplementation and pro-inflammatory mediators: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

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Abstract

Background

Inflammatory processes are involved in chronic diseases. It has been suggested that melatonin reduces inflammation by its radical scavenging properties; however, the results of the previous studies are inconclusive. The objective of the present meta-analysis is to determine the direction and magnitude of melatonin supplementation effect on inflammatory biomarkers.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochran Library, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched up to April 2019. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect model. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression were also carried out.

Results

Thirteen eligible studies with 22 datasets with total sample size of 749 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Melatonin supplementation significantly decreased TNF-α and IL-6 levels [(WMD = − 2.24 pg/ml; 95% CI − 3.45, − 1.03; P < 0.001; I2 = 96.7%, Pheterogeneity < 0.001) and (WMD = − 30.25 pg/ml; 95% CI − 41.45, − 19.06; P < 0.001, I2 = 99.0%; Pheterogeneity < 0.001)], respectively. The effect of melatonin on CRP levels was marginal (WMD = − 0.45 mg/L; 95% CI − 0.94, 0.03; P = 0.06; I2 = 96.6%, Pheterogeneity < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of the present meta-analysis support that melatonin supplementation could be effective on ameliorating of inflammatory mediators.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Nutrition, Student Research Committee, Nutrition Research Center, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

    Meysam Zarezadeh

  2. Student Research Committee, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Masoud Khorshidi

  3. Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Research Center, Research Institute for Children Health, Mofid Children’s Medical Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Masoud Khorshidi

  4. Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Mohammadreza Emami & Parisa Janmohammadi

  5. Student Research Committee, Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Hamed Kord-varkaneh

  6. Department of Community Nutrition, Students’ Scientific Research Center (SSRC), School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Seyed Mohammad Mousavi & Shimels Hussien Mohammed

  7. Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Ahmad Saedisomeolia & Shahab Alizadeh

  8. School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, 2560, Australia

    Ahmad Saedisomeolia

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  1. Meysam Zarezadeh
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  6. Seyed Mohammad Mousavi
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Zarezadeh, M., Khorshidi, M., Emami, M. et al. Melatonin supplementation and pro-inflammatory mediators: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Eur J Nutr 59, 1803–1813 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-019-02123-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-019-02123-0

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